2002 Saturn SLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 131 owner complaints about the 2002 Saturn SL, most often about the electrical system. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 4, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Where the 2002 Saturn SL has problems
131 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 43 | 5 |
| Power train | 22 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 16 | 1 |
| Seats | 9 | 6 |
| Air bags | 9 | 7 |
| Steering | 8 | 3 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 8 | 1 |
| Tires | 5 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 23 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2002 Saturn SL recalls and how many were fixed
No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.
When do electrical system problems start?
87kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 28 electrical system complaints. 57% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2002 vs. every other SL year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the SL median. How we score
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2002 Saturn SL safety ratings
2002 Saturn SL 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
What SL owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
IGNITION REQUIRES KEY JIGGLE IN ORDER TO START. ELECTRICAL ISSUES SUCH AS CONSTANT SHORTS, MAJOR FAILURE IN SUPPORTING SYSTEMS.
I OWN A 2002 SATURN SL VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 7/2016. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY VEHICLE. BOTH STARTER AND BATTERY HAVE BOTH BEEN CHECKED OUT OK. ALL SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED ON 10/31/18. AFTER THESE REPAIRS, WHEN STARTED IT STILL MADE VERY NOISY SOUNDS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. NOW I CAN'T GET…
IGNITION CYLINDER IS WORE OUT, WHEN PUTTING IN THE KEY, YOU HAVE TO JIGGLE THE KEY, SOMETIMES TAKES UP TO 10 MINUTES FOR THE KEY TO TURN AND START. SOMETIMES IT WORKS FINE. THIS IS AN OFF AND ON PROBLEM. THIS MONTH (SEPT 2017) IT HAS BEEN REAL BAD. I AM AFRAID TO GO ANYWHERE, FEARING I WILL BE…
Own a 2002 SL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.